Canada's Justice Minister issues response to Town of Ponoka

PONOKA -- Canada's Justice Minister Sean Fraser has issued a response to Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson regarding his concerns about criminal disorder and repeat offenders.

This comes after Mayor Ferguson penned a letter to the Minister calling for amendments to Canada's criminal justice system amid a rise in crime and disorder driven by repeat offenders. Ferguson cited numerous dangers in terms of letting the current situation continue, including major costs to local municipalities and the erosion of public trust in Canada's justice system.

Ferguson also noted an incident from late November which saw a local condo building burglarized five times by the same offenders over the course of eight days. One of the perpetrators had already amassed 43 charges in Edmonton prior to his arrest in Ponoka, where he was charged with seven additional offences. Minister Fraser responded to Ferguson's letter on Feb. 24, 2026, once again reiterating his efforts to pass his new bail legislation.

"As Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, I cannot comment on specific cases," said Fraser. "However, I am committed to taking action to ensure that Canadians feel safe in their communities. Our government is committed to acting within its federal area of responsibility to strengthen Canada’s bail regime and implement tougher sentencing measures. Following extensive consultations, on October 23, 2025, I introduced Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act, in the House of Commons. The Act contains over 80 targeted changes to the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and the National Defence Act."

Fraser would then once again outline the provisions of Bill C-14, while also highlighting his other recent legislation, the Protecting Victims Act. The Minister concluded his correspondence with the Ponoka mayor by noting that incidents concerning the bail system is not the sole responsibility of Ottawa.

"Canada's bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial, and territorial governments. While the federal government establishes the criminal law within the bounds set by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the provinces and territories are responsible for the administration of justice," said Fraser. "This includes Page 46 of 503 responsibility for policing, provincial and territorial Crown attorneys, most bail hearings, the enforcement of bail conditions, and most facilities where people awaiting trial are held. I note that you have sent a copy of your correspondence to the Honourable Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice of Alberta, who is the appropriate authority in this regard."

Fraser says all orders of government have an important role to play in ensuring that the bail system operates as intended. He adds that law reform is only one important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety; programs, policies, and investments are also critical to fostering safer communities.

"This includes provincial and territorial investments to enhance bail enforcement, as well as increased access to housing and to mental health and addictions supports," said Fraser. "All levels of government agree that improved data collection is necessary to fully understand how the criminal justice system operates."